Nottinghamshire CCC’s Michael Lumb ruled out for at least a month

Sports Reporter

Nottinghamshire batsman Michael Lumb has been ruled out of at least the first month of the season after undertaking surgery for a torn tendon in his arm.

Lumb suffered the injury while representing the Sydney Sixers in the KFC Big Bash League this winter, before successful surgery took place on his return.

In what will be a blow to Nottinghamshire’s early-season preparations, Lumb will be sidelined for a minimum of twelve weeks.

“Michael’s surgery was successful, and he’s due to begin rehab shortly, but I don’t want to put a date on his full recovery,” said Nottinghamshire Physio Jon Alty.

“He’ll be doing gentle rehabilitation work for the next four to six weeks, before a full return to batting programme from eight weeks.”

Lumb has been an influential figure at the top of Nottinghamshire’s batting order since his move from Hampshire in 2013, but Director of Cricket Mick Newell will look to the likes of Alex Hales, Greg Smith and Steven Mullaney to stake their claim for a place in the side in April.

“The surgery was necessary if we’re going to see him back fully fit,” he said.

“With Alex not in the IPL and Jake Libby still months away from a playing comeback, we’re a little thin on numbers.

“This is a huge opportunity for players to impress, take advantage of the space in the team and step up.

“Greg Smith and Steven Mullaney will see this as a chance to get into our team and get our season started in the right manner.”

Young batsman Jake Libby is still sidelined following successful surgery on his knee, after the opener who announced his arrival with a debut century in the LV= County Championship against Sussex in September, was injured with Latrobe CC in Tasmania.

“Jake’s is the best ACL reconstruction I’ve ever seen,” added Alty.

“We’re still in the very early stages, but are on track for the planned six-month return to action.

“He’s back in the gym, working hard and is due to start running soon. Having a player as dedicated to recovery as Jake is is excellent to see.”